My Account
The much anticipated “official start” of the construction of O Mahurangi Penlink took place on Saturday, December 10.
It was a significant day for those who have worked hard in support of the project, including recently retired Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Janet Fitzgerald.
She said it was fantastic to feel like there is progress after all these years.
In appreciation of her years of dedication to the project, Fitzgerald turned a sod, along with Transport Minister Michael Wood at the O Mahurangi site compound, 1697 Ara Weiti Road, Stillwater.
Fitzgerald spoke about the long history of the project and the politics involved in progressing it.
Labour list MP Marja Lubeck has also been a passionate an advocate for the project – something noted in Minister Michael Wood’s speech.
“There has barely been a week go by without Marja cornering me somewhere at Parliament to check in on progress of the project,” he said.
Part of the NZ Upgrade $8.7 billion programme, $830 million has been earmarked for delivery of the O Mahurangi Penlink project. Waka Kotahi spoke about this being an improved project from what was designed in the earlier stage, with walking and cycling lanes and more environmentally friendly.
Enabling works’ will not begin until January. These are things such as establishing a construction site before heavy machinery moves in, early earthworks, office set up and starting construction of a temporary access platform within the Weiti River to enable the bridge construction.
The build will begin from the SH1 end, then move into Stillwater, the bridge over the Weiti River and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula side last.
Bulk earthworks are not expected to commence until October 2023 and completion is still estimated to be in December 2026.
Government is yet to make a decision on whether or not the road will be tolled.
